Welcome to the 18th edition of the Proto48 Modeler.  Our website provides information on ¼” scale products and modeling techniques.   Proto48 is a subset of the larger O scale model railroad hobby.   We build to exact scale standards for wheels and track gauge.  

Please take a look at our scale and enjoy the models and techniques.   Proto48 is well supported by hobby suppliers and is growing.   We are enjoying a renaissance with many new products that have moved the scale beyond the realm of scratch builders to allow more modelers with moderate skills to build a operating layout using the new flex-track and switch kits.

The Proto48 movement has been growing for over 50 years and has gained the respect of many in the model railroading community. Proto48 exists because modelers desire to accurately model prototype railroad equipment including track gauge and wheel profile. Many of our newest members migrate from other scales such as HO. While the equipment is the same as other O scale models, the wheels and track are different to conform to the correct 4' 8 ½" gauge and dead scale wheel contour. Achieving accurate models in smaller scales is a challenge especially as one gets older. Replicating the detail in ¼" scale is easier and achievable. We encourage you to give it a try. You will find challenges to model in this scale but that is part of the fun to solve modeling problems. It is a departure from the current trend of open the box and put the train on the track. While you can use ready-to-run equipment built in China, you will have to change the wheels to run on the 4' 8 ½" gauge. Once you do that you will find that there are other improvements that can be made to the details and soon you will become hooked. Proto48 is a small movement within the ¼" scale community.

Our focus is on standard gauge modeling. Proto48 defines a gauge and wheel profile for locomotives, cars and track but it also expresses a concept of finescale modeling. Our models start out with the correct gauge of 4' 8 ½" and scale wheel profile and continue throughout the model to create an accurately scaled replica of the prototype.

Tom Mix’s scratchbuilt CB&Q 2-6-2 is an example of the best in Proto48 modeling

Quarter-inch scale offers railroad modelers a huge potential in terms of size and mass. It is big enough to permit the craftsman to accurately portray things like underbody details, doors, roof walks and ladders. Proto48 standard gauge modelers tend to strive for higher levels of detail and accuracy like their narrow gauge brethren.

Robert Leners sent in this picture of his C&NW R-1 class ten-wheeler operating on his layout.   The model is a 2010 import from Glacier Park Models.   Robert was able to get Jimmy Booth to weather the model.   Robert and Jimmy are old friends from their Iowa days.

Proto48 is more than just model making it covers the building of layouts and the inclusion of prototypical operations.    There are an amazing number of P48 layouts being construction around the country.   They range in size from switching layouts to large railroads with many hundred feet of scale track.   Check out the layout page on the Protocraft website to see a few of the layouts built or being built. 

http://www.protocraft.com/Layouts.cfm

If you don’t have room or time to build a layout, you may be lucky enough to find some fellow modelers in your area that you can share your interest.   One such group is in Indiana.  

This group of P48 modelers have been working in this scale for many years.   From left to right the group includes: Al Keesling, John Eichman (picture taken in front of his layout), John Pautz, Carl Jackson and Jim Canter (in front).  David Vaughn took the picture.

You will find a number of new items listed. We can always use more material that will permit more issues to be published each year. As always we are indebted to the modelers who take the time to send material to share with others. We hope that this spirit of sharing will continue allowing us to bring fresh material to the web so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Bill Yancey is responsible for this uniquely Canadian version of a GP-9.  The loco is equipped with EMD Flexicoil trucks which have an 8’ wheelbase. 

Lead Photo:

Warner Clark’s P48 layout is a work of art.  Each time you view the pictures you see more of the attention to detail that is often overlooked in a layout.  Warner’s Nickel Plate Road H-6 is being moved into the roundhouse.   A classic scene repeated daily during the age of steam.  Rich Bourgerie is responsible for this excellent photo.

Proto48 on the Web
There are two forums on Yahoo Groups that focus on Proto48

The first is the Proto48 Modeler: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/p48_modeler/

The second is P48 Layouts hosted by Brett Whelan
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/p48layout/

Mike Cougill, Editor of O Scale Trains, has updated his site with a decided P48 twist. I think you will find it to be interesting. I did! Go to http://www.cougillstudios.com/ By the way, O Scale Trains has greatly increased their Proto48 content since Mike took over. There is a renewed interest in model building. Consider subscribing to OST.

http://www.oscalemag.com/

Updates to the Site:

"Photo Gallery" will be updated soon with contributions from modelers. 

Industry News, Shows and New Products:

The latest information about new and interesting products that are useful the Proto48 modeler as shown below:

Regional O Scale Shows with Proto48 Content:

O Scale West Convention
24-26 January 2013 Santa Clara, CA
O Scale West continues in the same venue at the Santa Clara Convention Center.  You can obtain more information about the event at this site http://www.oscalewest.com

Chicago Midwest O Scale Meet
15-17 March 2013 Lombard, IL
The show is held at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. The show has a huge selling and a number of operating layouts.  On Friday evening, James Canter runs a Proto48 meeting.   It is an opportunity to meet some of the manufacturers and modelers. Visit their website for more details.

http://www.marchmeet.net/

Indianapolis O Scale Fall, Convention
21-22 September 2012
Wyndham Indianapolis West, West 2544 Executive Drive
All fall meet organized by James Canter.   If you live in the area, you should consider going.
oscaleindy@att.net

O Scale National Convention
18-21 July 2012
One Hilton Court
Parsippany New Jersey, 07054
Website: 2012oscalenational.com
This year the O National in the greater New York area.  The event has been excellent in the past and the committee is planning to be even better this time around.  The National draws a large number of sellers and suppliers.     

Stocking Dealers:

Des Plaines Hobbies
1524 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018
www.desplaineshobbies.com

The shop moved to a new location in the same shopping center. The new store is even larger than the previous location. They stock 1/48 scale and building supplies.

Caboose Hobbies
500 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
www.caboosehobbies.com
Stocks San Juan trucks and wheels

Coronado Scale Models
1544 Cypress Street, Phoenix, AZ  85006
(602) 254-9656
coronadoscalemod@aol.com

This shop has served the needs of fine scale modelers for over 40 years. The owners are active scale modeler having produced some beautiful locomotives and cars. Their shop offers excellent mail order service and knowledgeable assistance. You might check out the Photo Gallery for some of Stan Schwedler's fine work.

Sources of Prototype Information:

Railway Prototype Cyclopedia
RP CYC Publications Co.
P.O. Box 451
Chesterfield, MO 63006
http://rpcycpub.com/

The team of Ed Hawkins and Patrick Wider has produced 24 volumes of important information on prototype railroads with a primary emphasis on steam and early diesel era subject matter. The most recent issue covers X29/29 PRR boxcar and USRA double sheathed boxcar rebuilt with steel sides.

Steam Era Freight Cars
http://steamerafreightcars.com/

This website has been around for a while and recently taken over by Rob Adams. The original site was created by Ted Culotta but his Speedwitch business took off and allowed little time for the site. Rob is now updating the information. The site has a lot of useful information compiled by Ted and others along with a large number of model and prototype photos.

Speedwitch Media
http://www.speedwitch.com/

Ted Culotta established this business to develop prototype kits, decals and publications containing prototype data. He has published several useful books and magazines. While a portion of the products are for HO modelers, the books are a very useful reference for researching prototype information.    Recently, Protocraft has started releasing a number Speedwitch’s HO decal line in O scale.   The artwork has been translated to the larger scale by Norm Buckhart and added to his extensive line of decals.   His models and decals are all of the HO market.  

Supplier News:

Buffalo Landing Detail Parts
P.O. Box 7
Bay View
Napier 4149, New Zealand
buffalo.landing@papertiger.co.nz

Buffalo Landing Detail Parts has been producing some very interesting detail sets for the 1/4” scale modeler.   They have focused on narrow gauge but most of their sets are directly applicable to standard gauge.  They several white metal figure sets and a 1937 Pontiac sedan cast in urethane.   The Proto48 Modeler recently received a sample of their figure sets and have to rate them very highly.  

Most of their product line can be obtained directly from New Zealand or from Coronado Scale Models in Phoenix.   

Forsyth Rail Services
6331 State Route 2067
Susquehanna, PA 18847
http://mattforsyth.com/

Matt is a very talented builder in brass.  He has established an excellent reputation for loco conversions to Proto48 and for major rebuilding of imported brass.  His workmanship, painting and finishing is first rate.   Recently, Matt rebuilt a N&W K-1 from the ground up for the publisher of O Scale Trains.   Go to Matt’s website and enjoy his photo essay on the conversion. 

If you have a pet project that is in need of professional help, check out Matt. 

American Switch & Signal
13052 Ratliff Run
Fishers, IN 46037-6266
317-774-5755

John Pautz has added several new switch parts to his lineup within the past month. All of the parts are made from Right O' Way rail and are cast in nickel silver. He has a wide range of frogs, guard rails and points for popular rail sizes. See the latest brochure in the Suppliers section.

All of the parts are done to Proto48 track standards.
Link to PDF

Archer Transfers
PO Box 1277
Youngsville, NC 27596
http://www.archertransfers.com/

Archer Transfers has solved one of the more difficult problems in modeling steel equipment.   They have invented a process to deposit a 3D resin on Microscale clear decal film.   They have expanded their line to include various rivet patterns and sizes, safety tread material, fasteners, panel lines and even louvers.   The product is very useful not only to solve difficult fabrication projects but it also saves a lot of time.   The decal is cut out and applied to the model like a normal Microscale product.   We recommend you do not use any decal solvent until it is has evaporated all of the water and you are happy with the position.   They you can apply the solvent around the edges.   The film will disappear.   The decals must be covered with paint since it will chip off otherwise.  

Custom Decals
Gerald Glow
1303 De La Garza Place
The Villages, FL 323162
http://home.comcast.net/~jerryglow/decals.html

Jerry Glow’s custom decal line was brought to my attention a while back.   He offers a wide range of lettering sets for largely Midwestern and Southeastern roads in steam era schemes.  The interesting part of this is that he will print them in O scale with a minimum order of two sets of each set desired.   He does all of that for around $20 for the two sets.   The lettering appears to be opaque and sharply printed.   I have ordered a couple different sets and have been impressed with the quality and delivery time.    The set shown below is for a USRA rebuilt double sheathed boxcar that was painted green and lettered with orange stencil paint.   Jim Zwernemann model of the prototype is shown below. 

Rails Unlimited
126 Will Scarlet
Elgin, IL
847-697-5757
railsunl@sbcglobal.net
http://railsunlimited.ribbonrail.com/

Ted announced his latest urethane kit for the Northern Pacific 36' double sheathed boxcar.   He also releasing a series of 1932 ARA steel boxcars based upon the old Turner patterns.  The Milwaukee Road stock cars are is available.    Rails Unlimited has an extensive line of kits and is also an excellent dealer for general model railroad merchandise. He stocks O in depth and gives reliable service.

Glacier Park Models
P.O. Box 244
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-391-4476 (voice), 707-463-6988 (fax)
http://www.glacierparkmodels.com/

The SP Mk-4 class 2-8-2 locos have arrived and are gone.   GPM locomotives sell out within the first month of arrival in the country.  Several dealers still list the locomotives. 

Hi-Tech Details
P.O. Box 244
Ukiah, CA 95482
http://www.hitechdetails.com

Hi-Tech Details is a newcomer to O scale detail parts but has been around for a while supplying the HO market with innovative details.    Their first O release is a molded rubber air hose that include the angle cock and glad hand.   You can also get the rubber hoses with a brass bracket for hanging them on the end of cars. 

Mullet River Model Works
118 Hudson Court, Plymouth, WI 53073
www.mulletrivermodelworks.com/index.htm

Mullet River Model Works has been busy preparing new kits for you.   The latest models are the CB&Q truss-rod boxcar and the MP wood caboose.  The kit consists of laser-cut wood, etched brass underframe and details and decals.

RY Models
7 Edgedale Court
Wyomissing, PA 19610
http://www.richyodermodels.com/

RY Models has imported Vulcan trucks and expects to get the PRR 50-ton freight car trucks in Proto48 this year. The Vulcan was frequently used under older SP and UP rolling stock.

RY Models has the following trucks available in P48: Bettendorf freight and caboose style, PRR Crown 70-ton truck, National B-1 and the “L" section Andrews available in P48 currently. This truck was used extensively on cars built in the late teens and early 1920s.   Many trucks like this continued in work train service after being banned from interchange service.

Protocraft
18498 Half Moon Street
Unit 203
Sonoma, CA 95476-4835 (707) 935-7011 (voice message)
norm@protocraft.com
http://www.protocraft.com/

Protocraft is a key supplier of Proto48 wheels, parts and conversion sets. They have released most of the old Chooch line with the addition of passenger car trucks. Their website has been completed rebuilt with a complete catalog.    Protocraft continues to add new products frequently so it is worth a periodic visit.

Protocraft surprised everyone with a new high current DDC/Sound module that uses the Tsunami DCC receiver.    Protocraft has found that by doing some small modifications to the stock Tsunami unit that they can provide operation and sound with a load of 3.5 amps.   They added a larger heat sink and changed out the bridge rectifier.  The engineering work was done by a digital engineer and has been tested under extreme loads up to 6.0 amps.   Visit the Protocraft website to see the different sound configurations you can order.    
  

Protocraft has imported their second series of brass freight cars from Boo Rim of Korea.  The car selected was the Modified 1937 AAR 40’ boxcar.   The word “modified” identifies the fact that the interior height was increased from the original of 10’ to 10’6”.  This became the standard for boxcar order from the early 1940s on.  Protocraft selected 15 versions that would cover 25 railroads by using variation in roof, doors and ladders.   The cars come with trucks and unpainted but sealed with a clear lacquer.   Protocraft has decals for nearly all of the 25 roads now.  The trucks are available in standard O gauge (5’) or Proto48 and feature ball bearing races on the axle ends.   The car should move with ease on your layout.  

RL Design
14123 206th St.
S.E., Snohomish, WA 98296-3947

Rick Leach is ready to release the new NP diesel decal sets.   There will be two sets covering F-units and GP/ switchers.   The sets are very complete with all of the known lettering for all major diesel classes that ran on the NP from the late 1940s up through the late 1960s.  The sample shown below shows the stripe pattern for F units and gold/yellow lettering/numbers.   The decals were printed by San Juan Decals using a special blend of ink to match the official color drift panels.   The scanned color shown below does not represent the actual color.

There are new freight car lettering sets coming from RL Design this fall including a twin hopper set that will work for offsets as well as the USRA twin hoppers.

Please note that Rick is now taking PayPal for payment as well as checks and money orders. Check out the catalog sheet for ordering information.

Catalog

Red Cliff Miniatures
2166 Thomas Trail
Santa Clara, UT 84765
435-652-8390

Jim Harper has purchased back his old line of switch and track detailing parts from his former hobby shop.   He is now offering an extensive line of Code 100 and 125 track parts.  
Please see the new catalog sheet via this link

Catalog

Greg Komar
13704 Country Court Drive,
Tampa, FL 33625

Komar offers a wide range of high quality dry transfers covering Midwestern and Eastern railroads in some detail. I have used his sets with great success on several models. He doesn't have a website but we loaded his latest listing on the site as a PDF.

Catalog

San Juan Car Company
P. O. Box 1028
Durango, Colorado 81302
Phone: 970-385-5256
http://www.sanjuancarco.com

John Parker passed away last year but was able to put a plan in-place to ensure the continuation of the business. San Juan is now in the hands of new owners who are experienced in the model railroad business.  Production is continuing and while some projects likely have experienced some delays during the transition the future looks positive for this important supplier.   John Engstrom has taken over running the operation in Durango.   He is working on getting the new coupler in production along with the standard gauge Van Dyke Patent tank cars. They have revamped their website and added an on-line store.   

Scale Hardware
1736 NE 16 Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 609-4108
http://www.scalehardware.com/

Scale Hardware offers a wide range of small details machined from brass that will become an indispensible part of your parts selection.   The offer scale machined rivets and simulated square nuts and hex nut along with bolts.   In addition, you will find a range of very small threaded bolts, nuts and taps.   The smallest threaded bolt listed is .5 mm which as a .020” threaded body.  

Southern Car and Foundry
970 Sunshine Land, Suite D
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
jscagle@msn.com
www.southerncarandfoundry.com

Jon Cagle has been busy this winter preparing new models for release.   The 60’ Harriman cars are being shipped and going fast.   New stirrups were developed to provide an accurate yet durable design.  is releasing two new Harriman 60' passenger cars.   The first is an RPO and the second is the straight baggage.    These kits feature upgraded stirrups that are etched brass rather than the cast brass offered on the 40' RPO/Baggage.   The kits are complete with underbody details including the correct Schedule LN brake equipment. Correct decals are now available from Protocraft in both Aluminum Bronze and Dulux Yellow.   Charlie Morrill built this kit shown below and used Bayshore Car Dark Olive paint that was formulated by Scalecoat.  

SC&F is preparing additional freight car models for release this year.   The first up will be an AC&F 4700 gallon acid service car.   This will be followed by a Standard Tank Car (STC) 8,000 gallon insulated car.    Both models will be urethane, with etched brass details, plastic detail parts and decals. 

The ATSF Bx-12 kit is in production and should be shipping soon. The model reflects the Santa Fe’s attempt to upgrade an older 1924 ARA single sheathed to the capacity of a modern AAR steel boxcar.   The cars were long lasting with the last being retired from revenue service in 1970.  The Santa Fe raised the roofline by 12” and added a Murphy raised panel roof